A Gloucester-Hartpury star will be part of the first ever Barbarians women’s squad.

The famous invitational club have seen some of their greatest male players of all-time represent them since being founded in 1890 and they have now announced the launch of a women’s side with a fixture against Munster at Thomond Park on November 10.

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Megan Goddard, who has represented England, is among the first Barbarians players to be named having accepted an invitation along with Susie Brown (Scotland), Fiona Coghlan (Ireland), Claire Cripps, Elen Evans (Wales), Emma Jenson (New Zealand), Christelle Le Duff (France) and Kelly Russell (Canada).

Goddard said on Twitter: “Honoured to be part of such an exciting opportunity in Women’s Rugby. Looking forward to meeting the rest of the squad.”

Capable of playing at fly-half or centre, Goddard joined Gloucester-Hartpury for the start of this season from Worcester following their promotion to the Tyrell’s Premier 15s, helping them win three of their first four games.

SWANSEA, WALES - FEBRUARY 08: England centre Megan Goddard is tackled by Adi Taviner during the Six Nations championship match between Wales and England at St Helens RFC on February 8, 2015 in Swansea, Wales. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Former England Women’s World Cup winner Giselle Mather will lead the Barbarians in the first of a number of matches planned for 2017-18.

She said: “The Barbarians are one of the reasons I fell in love with rugby and to be coaching this side is a massive honour.

"The state of the women’s game is phenomenal at the moment following events like the World Cup and the launch of the Tyrrells Premier 15s in England. With the Barbarians coming in on top of that it’s taking the game to a different level.

Barbarians chairman John Spencer added: “We’re delighted to open a new chapter in the Barbarian FC’s history with the creation of our women’s team this season.

“Its formation is something we’ve been working towards for a number of years and it is a reflection of the excellence of the global women’s game which was showcased so brilliantly at this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland.

“Our aim is to welcome more talented players into this iconic club to forge new friendships and play with the style and passion for which the Barbarians are famous. We are working with clubs and unions around the world to make sure it benefits the players and the game.”